Youngsters in Bracknell are defying the usual stereotype of miserable layabouts locked in their bedrooms playing video games, and getting out and about in the community. HUGH FORT finds out what they are up to.

Whether it is cleaning up litter, helping the elderly, working with younger children or learning life-saving skills, the borough’s teenagers are keen to do their bit.

The Bracknell and Ascot branch of St John Ambulance has revealed it has had to start a second group in the borough due to the popularity of the original branch.

St John has had a long waiting list for months and months and has decided to introduce a second group.

An open evening was held earlier this month for new members and their families and the new group is now up and running.

Youngsters learn to provide first aid at community events.

Rebecca Brunel-Walker, who ran the evening, said: “It was great to see so many enthusiastic faces.

“We have had a cadet group in Bracknell for many years now and have recently been inundated with requests for more young people wanting to join which is just fantastic.”

Scouting is also proving popular in the area and the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been out in the borough taking part in activities like litter picks.

Trevor Baker, of 9th Bracknell Scouts based in Easthampstead, said: “We have got a great demand at the moment.

“There are around 120 members now plus a waiting list.

“We have been working closely with the local Police Community Support Officer Hilary Hislop to carry out litter picks.”

And young girls are also helping out with Guiding in the area.

Jean Bettison, who is involved with Brownies and Guides around Sandhurst said: “We’ve got some really good kids in Sandhurst who give up their time to help with the Guide and Brownie groups.

“They are really brilliant and it’s a really important thing because they really bridge the gap between the adult leaders and the young children, particularly in Brownies”.

Youth clubs members have also been busy helping in the community.

Members of the Wayz Centre in Calfridus Way have also organised litter picks and have worked closely with local old people’s homes.

Gareth Mepham, senior leader of the centre, said: “There are some really proactive members here.

“As well as organising the litter picks and going to clear up the leaves outside the old people’s home, we now have nine of the older members, aged between 14 and 18, running sessions for younger children aged between nine and 11.

“The scheme has proved very popular and in the last year our waiting list for younger children has doubled from 20 to 40.”